Techniques to write an appealing argumentative text

Most writing is argumentative in some way, because we write to argue our point of view and to persuade the reader that what we have to say is correct, intelligent, and rational and our statement makes sense and appropriate.

In my opinion, what calls a good writing is when a writer explains idea of the writing s/he wrote clearly, then s/he knows what should be in his/her writing. I had read about a text says that most academic writing is argumentative in some ways. I agree with this statement because when we write, it means that we share our idea and we try to explain our idea --so that it can be acceptable by the readers, which shows that it is argumentative.

There are two types of argument, they are:

Aristotelian argument: This argument is made to persuade the reader to change their beliefs, attitudes, and actions by refute an existing argument. (based on the teaching of Greek philosopher Aristotle)

Rogerian argument: This argument is made to develop consensus among readers by phrases statements in as neutral way as possible and conclude it by points out the common characteristics, goals, and values of the arguments and persons involved. Finally, the resolution presents the interest of all interested parties.

The argument has two purposes. It is used to:

• Change people’s points of view or persuade them to accept new points of view.

• Persuade people to a particular action or new behavior.

In writing an argumentative text, I usually do it by paying attention to what I have provided in the text and what I haven’t. Below is the steps you could do in writing argumentative text.

Simple steps to Write an Argument

Introduce your argument:

In preparing an argument, we have the opportunity to analyze our own ideas appeals to other’s idea. Your introduction should build common ground for your argument. Do not forget to explain why the topic is important

State your thesis or proposition:

In writing argument, your thesis or position should define your arguments scope and make clear what assertion you are going to discuss.

Anticipate Active Opposition:    

Refute the opposition’s argument and present all ideas in fair and rational way. Give the strengths of the superiority position and the weakness of another’s position.

Develop Your Argument:

Developing argument means you are confirming your own position and building your case. Use facts and statistics to support your claims. The list of strengths and weakness can help you build your argument by reasoning, providing details, adding an example or offering evidence of it.

But in writing all of those argument, we have to make sure that it is interesting enough to be read and the text is appealing. How? Maybe a little tips below could help us.

Techniques for Appealing to Your Readers

a)      Reason: There are two kind of reasoning: Inductive reasoning seen we made a general conclusion by examine the specific detail details or facts. The deductive reasoning occurred when we made our logical thinking started with the generalization to a specific situation.

b)      Ethics: Ethics always needed in academic. When we write and we misrepresent the evidence or one of your sources, you readers will ask your ethics. It also can happen when you use unethical methods.

c)      Emotion: Using emotions as a support for argument can be tricky. You have to choose examples that represent and illustrate your ideas fairly and then present your arguments as objectively as possible.

Writing arguments does not mean we just put what we had in our mind into a text. When we write an argument or statement, we have to explain our position in a comfort perspective so the readers can accept and understand why our statement is important appropriate. Imagine when you have believed in a statement about something, but then you read a text that tells another statement which does not have any explanations and evidences and it seems inappropriate? I am sure that you will ask the writer’s ethics in putting the explanation and giving the proof of what the writer wrote.

I also believe that a good writing contains a good introduction, so the reader can understand what will be discussed in the text. When you do not know what will be discussed, of course you will get confused. Besides introduction, a good writing must have a good explanation and evidence if it is needed. When there is no explanation and evidence about what we wrote, it is difficult to be acceptable by the readers because the readers have no reason to change their mind or even believe in it.

Here’s some steps of organizing your argumentative text.

1)      Determine Your Organization

-       Suggested organization for a classic argument:

a)   Introduction         

b)   State your case  

c)   Proposition 
d) Refutation
e) Substantiation and Proof
f) Conclusion

-       Suggested organization for a Rogerian argument:

a)      Write a short objective statement.

b)      Analyze and state the opposition’s position in an objective way.

c)      Analyze and state your own position in an objective way.

d)      Find the commonly shared goals and values of the two positions.

e)      Give a resolution that adding together the interests of both positions.

2)      Write your conclusion.

Re-state you position and tell the readers what action you would like them to take.

3)      Adapting the argument structure

Start your position with an ease and comfort state that help the readers assimilate your new information and perspectives.

I also believe that a good writing contains a good introduction, so the reader can understand what will be discussed in the text. When you do not know what will be discussed, of course you will get confused. Besides introduction, a good writing must have a good explanation and evidence if it is needed. When there is no explanation and evidence about what we wrote, it is difficult to be acceptable by the readers because the readers have no reason to change their mind or even believe in it.

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Well, that’s all a little tips for how to write an interesting argumentative text

References:

Rooks, G. M(199). Paragraph Power Second Edition.